At this point in time, Lasik is one of the most popular eye surgeries and has been done for more than 25 years with phenomenal results. Most people prefer undergoing Lasik eye surgery treatment because it’s quick and safer. However, if you are about to book an appointment for yourself, it’s worth tending to the Pros and cons of Lasik surgery first.
According to WebMD, about 600,000 LASIK operations are performed in the United States each year. Most patients who have this treatment obtain 20/20 vision, and the majority of them -- more than 95% -- are satisfied with the outcomes. But is staying awake during the surgery not scary enough? What about its severe side effects that may show up after years?
Lasik is a form of refractive surgery, which means it reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. Refractive procedures, such as LASIK and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), treat nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) and Astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea. This clear, dome-like covering helps focus light entering your eye.
The FDA approved Lasik in 1995, and since then has been performed on over 15 million people worldwide. The procedure can be done using a variety of lasers to remove tissue from across part or all of the cornea. After this procedure, you will not need glasses or contacts to see clearly.
LASIK may have both beneficial and unfavourable consequences, which are similar to those of any medical treatment. The following are some of the more frequent Pros and Cons of Lasik, divided into three categories: function, form, and sensation.
There are many pros for Lasik; this surgery is safer than traditional LASIK because it's all done under a microscope, and individual pulses of laser energy are used instead of a continuous stream and much more. Further reasons rooting for this quick and easy treatment are as follows.
Patients who have undergone LASIK surgery can see much better than before. In most cases, the vision is not only clearer but also stronger and more stable. LASIK has a high success rate and superior results compared to other procedures that also correct your vision.
The cornea has a lateral effect on the visual field of patients. Removing tissue from its edges allows light to enter at a wider angle, thus providing a broader vision in some degrees.
With a big opening in the middle of the cornea after laser treatment, dry eyes are less likely to affect LASIK patients due to increased moisture exchange at this point.
Many people do not like wearing contact lenses because they are uncomfortable and can easily irritate the eyes. It is always better to avoid contact lenses as far as possible if only for comfort's sake, especially because it has been well established that long-term wear of contacts can cause permanent damage to your cornea; Lasik eliminates the need for wearing contact lenses after surgery.
Safety is one of the reasonable Pros of LASIK eye surgery as compared to other procedures. It has been used by millions of people worldwide with excellent results. The safety and accuracy of this operation guarantee excellent visual outcomes and high patient satisfaction rates.
There are some potential cons to Lasik surgery, like you may feel dryness in your eyes because the tissues that produce tears for your eyes typically don't work as well after the surgery. Some more possible cons of Lasik are mentioned below.
Although rare, certain complications such as infection and excessive dryness may result in our loss of vision after LASIK.
Because the cornea flap is created using a mechanical instrument, it can be damaged. The risk of this complication occurring after LASIK surgery has been reduced significantly over the past few years; however, it is still not 'zero.' Mishandling or misuse of Microkeratome (a tool that creates a flap in LASIK surgery) may result in such an error.
It takes many months for the cornea to heal fully. The risks of developing infection and other complications increase during this period, and proper care must be taken for maximum visual acuity and safety. Patients should refrain from rubbing their eyes for three weeks following surgery, as this could cause damage to the flap.
Although this procedure is very safe and effective, it is still not perfect, and sometimes the desired results cannot be achieved. This includes creating a flap that was insufficiently thin or thick, disrupting the tissue beneath the flap during surgery, and post-surgical complications such as over-correction or under-correction of vision issues.
Sometimes people with certain eye conditions benefit from glasses or contact lenses as a 'crutch.' LASIK surgery may eliminate their need for these aids. Still, they could return quickly if corrective lenses are discontinued abruptly after surgery.
Conclusion on the pros and cons of Lasik
Your optometrist can assist you in deciding whether or not LASIK surgery is a good fit for you if you pass the screening. If you have any questions regarding the procedure, speak with your optometrist after reading all the above Pros and Cons of Lasik.
While LASIK may result in dry eyes for up to three months (and can be treated with artificial tears), the chances of it becoming a long-term problem are slim. Another uncommon side effect is nighttime glare or halos.
When Lasik or any other corneal laser treatment is applied to the cornea, it becomes more fragile. So, if the cornea is already weak, Lasik may harm it in the long run and cause keratoconus to develop entirely after LASIK ectasia occurs on the cornea.
The eye is reshaped with the use of laser in Lasik. As a result, the cornea's curvature is altered to aid in decreased vision power. In most cases, after Lasik, the change in corneal curvature is permanent. However, some people may experience blurring of vision as a result of increased eye power in the future.
While the outcomes of LASIK are permanent, your eyesight might alter over time. Is it feasible or even dangerous to have laser eye surgery more than once? Yes, in most situations. Because each patient and their vision is unique, it's ideal to consult with an expert eye specialist before scheduling LASIK twice.
